Tomoko,
One can be friendly, approachable, smiling and serios aboutthe topic and about student success. It is good to see that you are aware that being "serious" does not preclude one from displaying the other behaviors.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I think that being consistently excited to meet each new student can make a big impact on their first impression. If you are excited you will be smiling and be focused and present in that moment.
Scott,
Enthusiasm cannot be faked for long. If we are genuinely excited to have new students or to see our returning students, the enthusiasm will migrate to the students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
One essential way to form a great first impression is to control what you can and that first start with you appearance and professionalism. Soft skills and visual appears I believe give you an advantage when you are trying to make a great first impression. Additionally, ensuring your pleasant and personable to those you come in contact with strengthen the likelihood that you will make a great first impression.
To make a better first impression, you should smile, have good eye contact, show interest in the student, and look and act professional.
I think my first impressions are pretty good! When I first meet my students, I love to smile at them and say a joyful greeting followed by asking them in return "How are you doing today?" Sometimes even a compliment or a thank you for being on time goes a long way.
Loren,
I was taught that we get to make a new "first impression" with our students every day. That is why my mentors stress being there on time, demonstrating that we are glad that we get to teach them that day. We also stress a dynamic, motivational openning activity.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Smile and ask how they are doing.
I n order to make the first impression count I speak with he students out in the hall before they enter the first class. I find that a less intimidating for them. I like to create a first impression every day when they arrive in class.
Anthony,
Each class meeting gives us a chance to create a new first impression. That is why the opening activities are so important.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I can make a better first impression by smiling at the student and learning there name to be able to address then by their name. This will show them I'm friendly and care about them.
When I find out what class I am teaching the next term, I try to schedule a time to visit with the class on their last day. I just pop into the class introduce myself; tell them a little bit about the class. I tell them I have the portal set up so if anyone wants to start reading over the weekend they have access to the class information. I also have a one page hand out that I leave with them that has quotes from my prior students about how to be successful in my class. At the end of each class I do my own informal survey by asking my students to write a letter to the next class sharing things they wish they had known prior to starting the class, thing to do to be successful in the class… this is where I pull the quotes from for my hand out. I find that this really helps to make a good impression with my students before they are even in my classroom.
Scot,
This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing this. Your peers who take thiscourse will benefit from reading this.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Sir,
To make a better first impression educators must
-smile (It does not matter if they feel like it or not)
-Be engaging (Meaning ask students their names and to tell a little bit about themselves)
-Have a snack (First day of school is a HUGE day for students. As educators we should celebrate that occasion with some form of a snack...be it dunkin donuts, or cookies)
Christine,
We used to kid about pizza being the number one retention tool for career colleges. Cookies my be second. Little things like this are keys to establishing an appreciative attitude toward students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
A big friendly smile usually works. I also try to break the ice with a little joke in that first few seconds so that we can ease into conversation about business.
Jose,
I was once told that every day we get a chance to make a new first impression. Keep smiling. It will help set the mood.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I tend to make a great first impression and keeping true to that I radiate with Passion for what I do. Have a big belly of a laugh and try to always have a smile on my face
I think I just need to remember this all of the time. Sometimes we get sucked into the daily work or chores that may bring us down and forget that the first impression is important and is only a few seconds long. This can also help with retention and helping students know that you are there to help and encourage them.
Wendy,
We get to make a new "first impression" every class meeting. That usually happens before the lesson ever starts.
Jeffrey Schillinger
